Seismic response of concentrically braced steel frames

Abstract

Braced frame structures designed according to the 1990 edition of the National Building Code of Canada and the CSA standard for steel structures (CAN/CSA-S16.1-M89) are analyzed under a number of different earthquake motions. The nonlinear response is studied in the light of the design philosophy, and the validity of a number of design assumptions is examined. The study is limited to a group of eight-storey frames, located either in Victoria, British Columbia, or Montreal, Quebec, all with the same bracing configuration. A 20-storey frame in Montreal is also considered. The results suggest a number of areas in which improved design provisions could be made. Key words: analysis, design, structural engineering, steel, earthquakes, braced frames.